Italian Navy orders its 4th offshore patrol vessel
As part of fleet modernisation programme
In a significant development for the Italian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) programme, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), has received official notification from the Italian Navy to proceed with the construction of a fourth next-generation patrol vessel and the necessary logistical support. The total value of this operation is approximately 236 million euros.
In the coming days, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali will finalise sub-contracts with its partners, Fincantieri and Leonardo.
Fincantieri will handle a substantial portion of the contract, valued at around 163 million euros, while Leonardo’s share will be about 70 million euros.
Notably, the agreement with Fincantieri represents a significant related-party transaction. In contrast, due to its value and relevance indexes, the Leonardo sub-contract is categorised as a related-party transaction of lesser importance.
Both transactions adhere to current regulations and are exempt from procedural requirements for related-party transactions.
Under the Italian Navy’s new patrol vessel and fleet modernisation programme, the new patrol vessel will serve as a critical component of its comprehensive initiative to modernise and enhance its fleet.
OPV programme
The OPV programme, of which this vessel is part, is designed to significantly boost capabilities in maritime patrolling, surveillance, and protection of vital sea lanes and Italy’s exclusive economic zone. Additionally, the vessels will play a crucial role in combating marine pollution, including managing toxic spills.
The new patrol vessels will be approximately 95 metres long and displacing 2,300 tons. They will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso and Muggiano Integrated Shipyard.
They will accommodate up to 97 crew members and feature a range of advanced technological solutions. These include cutting-edge automation and manoeuvrability, ensuring optimal performance across diverse tactical scenarios and weather conditions.
A standout feature of the new vessels is their innovative naval cockpit. Developed through a collaboration between Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech, this advanced integrated workstation allows for streamlined operations by a pilot and co-pilot, who can manage the vessel’s machinery, rudders, platform systems, and combat functions from a single command bridge station.
This system represents a significant leap forward in naval technology, aligning with the Italian Navy’s mission to stay at the forefront of maritime capabilities.
Featured image: CGI of the new offshore patrol vessel for the Italian Navy. Credit: Leonardo
Last Updated on 4 months by Arnold Pinto
